Related Expert's Opinion

For 2011, go beyond your ordinary skincare routine with some unique, new strategies aimed at ramping up your internal, external and mental health. Found within my three-pronged Inclusive Health approach, which is detailed in my new book, The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger (September 2010, Wiley), getting your mind and body in sync will support the journey toward a remarkably revitalizing new year.

Start by introducing colorful raw fruits and vegetables into your daily diet that do more than nourish and fulfill. By consuming fruits that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, you’ll find more energy and minimize the risk of disease.Pomegranates, the most powerful of them all, help to boost the body’s natural sunscreen level while building a stronger immune system. If you like more exotic fruits, try the antioxidant-rich Goji berry. Oranges are another great source of health. By simply replacing your morning cup of coffee with orange juice, you’ll boost your energy with natural sugars while helping to increase collagen production from the high levels of Vitamin C. Secondly, maintain a better flow of H20 by eating your water! Add raw fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers and carrots to your daily diet, as they contain up to 97% water and serve as exceptional sources of hydration. Avoid boiling vegetables, as the heat breaks down the cell membranes and allows the water to leak out.

Next, take your ordinary approach to skin care to the next level. Sun damage is just as harmful in the winter as it is during the sunniest months, so on top of applying creams that are SPF 15 or higher, also use topical antioxidant ingredients, every morning. Products that include Vitamin C, in particular, deactivate unstable free radicals that can cause the most harmful damage, prevents water loss and shields the skin from the sun’s burning rays.

Furthermore, take time for dry skin brushing and exfoliate every square inch of your body. Doing this not only removes dry cells, but increases the blood flow and stimulates the lymphatic system’s ability to remove built-up toxins. Try developing your own scrub made from raw sugar, safflower oil and coarsely ground coffee to help soften and cleanse pores. Next, relax in a detoxifying bath that includes Epsom salts to revive muscles and de-puff the skin. For added moisture, lather more safflower oil in the driest regions after toweling off.

Finally, fine-tune your psyche by implementing alternative methods to boosting mental health. Believe it or not, some fats are extremely beneficial, especially for your brain! Our brains are made of about 70% fat, so it is important to have proper levels to protect vital neurons, maintain healthy brain function and happiness. Consume more foods and vitamins with higher essential fatty acids (omega-3’s and omega-6’s) like cold-water fish, avocados, flaxseeds, walnuts and olives, which ultimately help build cell membranes. Last but not least remember that it is important to optimize your sleep! We all know that getting seven to eight hours is essential for a productive, healthy day. Adding topical and internal products with melatonin and GABA ingredients will add depth to your sleep, promote better muscle relaxation and help with your skin’s sleep repair cycle.

Follow these very simple, yet extremely effective tips and tricks, to help make 2011 your BEST year yet!

About the Author

Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD has literally changed the face of skincare by devoting his life to making beautiful, healthy skin attainable for everyone. His scientifically-proven formulas and Inclusive Health approach to overall skin and body wellness have helped millions to live better lives.

A board-certified dermatologist, trained pharmacist, and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (Dermatology) at the Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Dr. Murad has personally treated over 50,000 patients. In 1989 he founded Murad, Inc. as a way to share his groundbreaking skincare formulas which were among the first to achieve significant measurable anti-aging results without surgery. Dr. Murad continues his innovative research and holds 18 patents for advances in the science of skin health. These proprietary breakthroughs help Murad products deliver the real results that make Murad one of the world’s premier clinical skincare brands.

Using his medical experience, Dr. Murad has developed and clinically proven The Science of Cellular Water™, the world’s most comprehensive approach to understanding health and aging. The Science of Cellular Water looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water as the fundamental marker of youthful good health and advocates an Inclusive Health approach to help the body create stronger, healthier cells as the pathway to beauty.

Known as “The Father of Internal Skincare” for being an originator of the use of dietary supplements to promote skin health and as the pioneer of the use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids in topical skin care, Dr. Murad has received numerous recognitions including being named the “Best Forward-Thinking Doctor” by Vogue Magazine, a “Beauty Genius” by Elle Magazine, an “Industry Visionary” by the International SPA Association, and was inducted into Dermascope magazine’s “Academy of Legends.” Dr. Murad is largely considered to be a leading visionary in the fields of skincare and dermatology, and continues to revolutionize the skincare industry.